Metex Award to Ville Piippo
The thesis, in the field of design, focuses on driving ergonomics and sustainable design of an electric motorbike.
Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation has awarded Ville Piippo, a master's student in Aalto University's Collaborative and Industrial Design program, with the Metex Award for best thesis.
“I explore how the design of electric motorcycles can differ from traditional internal combustion bikes, when design can be based on the desired user experience, highlighting the benefits of an electric powertrain,” says Piippo.
According to Piippo, the role of the designer in designing a vehicle can easily be underestimated, if they are unable to participate in the technical discussion of the product.
"My job is to show that it is crucial to take the user into consideration at every stage when designing the vehicle, so that the new powertrain solutions can reap the full benefits for the user."
Piippo also hints in his thesis that his discoveries can be utilized by, for example, a young vehicle manufacturer who wants to establish itself firmly in the market and outperform its larger competitors.
“The work has been done and presented clearly and is a well-thought-out structure. In his work, Ville Piippo has approached not only design but also engineering and commercial approaches. This is very close to the idea behind the prize, which is to support the interactive application of different disciplines in the final thesis in the spirit of Aalto University,” explains Jussi Neuvo, chairman of the jury.
Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation awards an annual Metex Prize of 5 000 euros for a top-level thesis that has been produced in partnership with a technology company or directly or indirectly contributes to the importance and use of design and art in technology companies.
Read more news
Catalysis in a new light: Microscale interactions could enhance clean energy technologies
A new study provides a more detailed view of how catalysts function during chemical reactions. The discovery could help develop more efficient materials for applications such as green hydrogen production and a more sustainable chemical industry.
Physics Days 2026 gathered Finnish physicists to Aalto
The 2026 edition of the annual conference featured talks on moiré matter, women in physics and paper cuts.
Annual review looked back on the past year
The annual review of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture provided a comprehensive overview of the past year. Members of the community were also awarded in the event.